2010 – 2020

Term: 2010-2011
President: Joanne Saxe
Members: 49
Officers:
Secretary: Judy Gatt
Treasurer: Barbara Heinrichs

Committees:

Programs: Barbara Tyburski & Linda Uhrmann
Membership: Marion Ingram
Scholarship: Sandy Harmon-Weiss, M.D.
Book Groups: Ellen Epple & Mary Jane Slugg
Historian: Karen Weis

HONORS:

• Arlette deMonceau Michaelis, of Dennis Township, received the Righteous Among the Nations award from Daniel Kutner, consul general of Israel, at Richard Stockton College. The award recognizes non-Jews who risked their lives during the Holocaust to save Jews from the Nazis.
• Sturdy Savings Bank, an annual supporter of the American Association of University Women’s Cape May Branch offered a Second Chance Scholarship program to assist local women whose post high school education has been interrupted.
• A Certificate of Appreciation was issued to the Cape May Branch for recruiting new members during the AAUW Keys to the Future Membership Campaign – 11 % growth.
• Atlantic Cape Community College awards a Certificate of Appreciation to Cape May County Branch of the AAUW for their dedicated support of the students of ACCC.
MILESTONES:

• Longtime AAUW member and retired Guide/Interpreter for The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts in Cape May, Marie Lawrence, passed away peacefully on 12/7/10 after a three year battle with cancer. In 2008, the Cape May County Federation of Democratic Women voted Marie ‘Democratic Woman of the Year’ as a tribute to all of her volunteer activities.

• A Memorandum of Understanding between Atlantic Cape Community College and the Cape May Branch of the AAUW was initiated to explore partnership opportunities that encourage mutually beneficial, mission driven projects and initiatives. Through the ‘Peers Assisting with Student Support’ program ( P.A.S.S.), volunteer mentors provide assistance and support throughout the student’s first semester at the college. AAUW’s mission is advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. P.A.S.S. is a student- centered program constructed around the needs of the remedial student. The desired outcome of this pilot program for the fall of 2010 is to engage and retain greater numbers of students.
PROJECTS:

• On Sunday, April 3, 2011, the Cape Women’s Resource Fund, Inc. presented the 9th annual Hats of a Feather Luncheon and Fashion Show at Avalon Links Restaurant. Fashions were by Kidrageous of Margate and Talk of the Walk with locations in Stone Harbor, Atlantic City and LBI. Proceeds benefitted the educational and civic programs of: Cape Women’s Resource Fund, INC., AAUW, Cape May Branch and the League of Women Voters of Cape May County.

EVENTS:

• The Washington Inn was the venue for the Welcome Back Dinner on 9/22/10.

• Community Day was held on 10/13/10 as Atlantic Cape celebrated its 5 year anniversary of CMCC including a AAUW CMC table. The day’s events included a campus tour, student musicians, live radio broadcast and, of course, refreshments.

• A four course Tea Luncheon was enjoyed by many at the Carriage House Tearoom and Café on 10/25/2010. This was followed by a tour of the Designer Show House.

• Everyone had a fun-filled time at the Halloween Costume Party/ Dinner held at the Bayview Restaurant.

• Atlantic Cape Community College presented AAUW, CMB, a Certificate of Appreciation at the Scramble ‘fore Scholarships Awards Dinner at the Chalfante Hotel.

• Cape May County Branch had a table at the County Peer Leadership Conference at the Wildwood Convention Center on 11/19/10.

• Cape May Library hosted a Fall Gardening Program, and afterwards members enjoyed dinner at the Bellevue Tavern.
• The Christmas Luncheon was at the Tuckahoe Inn on 12/5/10.

• Winter Botany with Joe Alvarez at Lower Township Library on 1/18/11

• Story and Poetry Slam “Truth Be Told” occurred at the Back Corner Café in North Cape May. Deception was the topic.

• 10th Annual Women’s Conference was held on 3/26/11 at the Wildwood Golf and Country Club. Topic: “Leadership Roles for Women…Looking Back…Looking Forward…It Began with Alice Paul”. Karen Weis, Historian from AAUW, introduced the one woman play, Alice Who? Alice Paul?

• Black History Month Exhibit and lunch at the Carriage House on the Emlen Physick Estate. Lunch at the Lobster House was followed by, “Can I get a Witness!”…an exhibit about the role of the Black Church in CMC History.

• Women’s Resource Fund Luncheon and Fashion Show, ‘Hats of a Feather’ at the Avalon Links Country Club. Proceeds benefitted our Second Chance Scholarship Fund.

• Annual Dinner Meeting was held on 4/7/11 at Avalon Links Country Club.

• Three new members: Dorothy Pearson, Barbara Golla, and Tammy De Franco.

• Cape May Stage presented “ for colored girls who contemplated suicide when the rainbow is enuf”. 4/30/11-5/1/11.

• Dinner at Rio Station Diner followed by a performance at the Naval Air Station. This was a one woman show about Harriet Quimby, the 1st woman to earn a pilot’s license. 6/21/11

• Annual Picnic was held at Kathy Flynn’s.

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Term: 2011 – 2012
President: Barbara Tyburski
Members: 52

Officers:
Vice-President: Marga Matheny
Secretary: Judy Gatt
Treasurer: Barbara Heinrichs
Committees:

Programs: Joanne Saxe & Linda Uhrmann
Membership: Marion Ingram
Scholarship: Sandy Harmon-Weiss
Book Groups: Mary Jane Slugg & Ellen Epple
Historian: Karen Weis
PROJECTS:

• The Second Chance Scholarship Fund was funded by our “Tribute Scholarship Fund Gifts” program in our newsletters, solicitation letter campaign, and the raffle of Gift Baskets at the annual Women’s Resource Fund Luncheon & Fashion Show. Three $1000 scholarships were awarded to women students at Atlantic Cape Community College
• The mentoring program staffed by Branch members begins with the Fall Semester at Atlantic Cape Community College. Members meet for half an hour with students in the DEVA class taught by Tammy De Franco. Purpose of the mentoring is to encourage the students to strive to do their best as they enter college as well as mentors sharing experiences that relate to the students’ own
EVENTS:

• Welcome Back Dinner was held at the Washington Inn in Cape May September 2011
• Roaring 20’s — a narrated bus tour in Atlantic City
• AAUW had a table at the GIRL POWER conference for Cape May County girls ages 9-14 at the Technical School
• Holiday Luncheon was held at the Sand Barrens
• Tour of Samuel Azeez Museum of Woodbine History . Tour included a visity to the Brotherhood Synagogue
• Oscar Movie Preview Nights program begins with films shown at members’ homes. Snacks and drinks are provided by members
• Visit to the Culture and Heritage Commission “Wintertime in Cap May ” exhibit featuring works from New Jersey artist including local artists
• Joined local community at the Sea Isle Historical Museum program commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the ‘62 Nor’easter. A panel discussion was held with six residents who were eye witnesses of the storm
• AAUW Women’s Panel at the COMPACT School in Cape May court House. Panel members included Janice Brown, Marion Ingram, Chase Jackson and Claire Nagel. AAUW members worked on art projects with students after the panel discussion. Branch received a thank you note from the students.
• Marga Matheny sent pictures and a letter from Shanghai recapping the beginning of her yearlong teaching adventure in China
• Visit to the Carriage House to view photographer Wendell White’s exhibit
• Annual Meeting held at the Avalon Links Restaurant
• Member Chase Jackson presented “The Colored Museum” at the Cape May Stage’s Robert Shackleton Playhouse
• Tour of the Forgotten Warriors Vietnam Museum at the Cape May County Airport
• Annual Picnic held at Kathy Flynn’s home in June

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Term: 2012 – 2013
President: Unfilled

Members: 57

Officers:
Secretary: Judy Gatt
Treasurer: Barbara Heinrichs

Committees:

Programs: No appointment
Membership: Marion Ingram
Scholarship: Sandy Harmon-Weiss
Book Groups: Mary Jane Slugg & Connie Blocher
Historian: Karen Weis
Public Relations: Mona Moore

MILESTONES:

• Former member Nancy Bacher Long passed away November 23

PROJECTS:

• The Second Chance Scholarship Fund was funded by our “Tribute Scholarship Fund Gifts” program in our newsletters, solicitation letter campaign, and the raffle of Gift Baskets at the annual Women’s Resource Fund Luncheon & Fashion Show. Three $1000 scholarships were awarded to women students at Atlantic Cape Community College.
• The mentoring program staffed by Branch members continues at Atlantic Cape Community College
EVENTS:

• Welcome Back Dinner was held at the Sand Barrens Golf Club September 2012
• Member Chase Jackson produced a performance piece, “Messages From Men—Machismo Mayhem Mirth & Maturity” at Cape May Stage
• Holiday luncheon was held at the Crab Trap
• Movie Preview Nights program took place in January and February
• Members attended an exhibition at the Emlen Physick Estate. The subject was “Black Fraternal, Social and Civic Organization of Cape May County”
• A Genealogy Program or How To Use Research To Uncover Family History was hosted by AAUW at the County Library
• Joint Branch Luncheon Buffet was held at the culinary school restaurant—Carème– at Atlantic Cape Community College’s Mays Landing campus.
• Cape Women’s Resource Fundraiser—Off to the Races– held April 28 2013. Branch contributed eight beautiful baskets
• Several members attended the AAUWNJ State Annual Meeting via video conference in Atlantic City
• Annual Meeting held at the Avalon Links Restaurant. Arlette Michaelis, a former member was the invited speaker
• Annual Picnic held at Kathy Flynn’s home in June

Policy:

• Marion MacEwan Second chance Scholarship moved to the Atlantic Cape community College Foundation

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Term: 2013 – 2014
President: Marga Matheny and Dottie Pearson
Members: 70

Officers:
Secretary: Judy Gatt
Treasurer: Barbara Heinrichs
Committees:

Programs: Evelyn Lovitz
Membership: Joan Husband
Scholarship: Sandy Harmon-Weiss
Book Groups: Mary Jane Slugg & Connie Blocher
Historian: Karen Weis
Public Relations: Mona Moore

MILESTONES:

• Former member and branch president 2008-2011 Joanne Saxe passed away May 2014
• Helene Bertino accepted position of Public Relations upon Mona Moore’s resignation

PROJECTS:

• The Second Chance Scholarship Fund was funded by our “Tribute Scholarship Fund Gifts” program in our newsletters, solicitation letter campaign, and the raffle of Gift Baskets at the annual Women’s Resource Fund Luncheon & Fashion Show. Two $1000 scholarships were awarded to women students at Atlantic Cape Community College. One $1000 scholarship was awarded to a student continuing at Rutgers University (Camden division)
• The mentoring program staffed by Branch members continues at Atlantic Cape Community College
• Human Trafficking was raised as an issue by both state AAUW and League of Women Voters of New Jersey. Branch member, Suzanne Pelkus contact the County Prosecutor and staff to ask that a program be offered to the public on this issue. A meeting sponsored by the local branches of AAUW and LWV was held in the Old County Courthouse January 29, 2014
• Member Marion Ingram contacted Atlantic Cape Community College to propose a college-branch joint activity called $tart $mart—a salary negotiation workshop offered to college students. This program is offered by national AAUW to branches for collaboration with local colleges. Planning for the program is underway

EVENTS:

• Welcome Back Dinner was held at the Sand Barrens Golf Club September 2011
• Tour of Congress Hall in Cape May City
• Members attended Women of Wonder League meeting sponsored by Atlantic Cape Community College
• Guided tour of the Seabrook Educational and Cultural Foundation in Seabrook gave attendees an opportunity to visit with Japanese-Americans who were detained there during World War II
• Holiday luncheon was held at the Lobster House
• Oscar Movie Preview Nights program begins with films shown at members’ homes. Snacks and drinks are provided by members
• A joint program was held with the Atlantic County branch on social media technology at the Ocean City Senior Center
• Members attended a panel discussion at the Emlen Physick Estate. The subject was The Way We Were: Cape May County’s Once Thriving Black Businesses
• Vegetarian Dinner was held at the Good Earth in West Cape May. Local foods were used in the multi-course dinner. Dinner was highlighted in Exit Zero
• Joint Branch Carème Luncheon Buffet was held at the culinary school restaurant at Atlantic Cape Community College’s Mays Landing campus. Attendees included members from Atlantic County and Cape May County branches
• Cape Women’s Resource Fundraiser held May 4, 2014 titled Cinco de Maio. Branch contributed several beautiful baskets
• Several members attended the AAUWNJ State Annual Meeting via video conference in Atlantic City
• Annual Meeting held at the Avalon Links Restaurant
• Member Chase Jackson presented a staged reading of the play ‘The Gift” by Denise Kumani Gantt at the Cape May Stage’s Robert Shackleton Playhouse
• Pinning Ceremony for one of our scholarship students at Atlantic Cape Community College
• Tour of the Lighthouse and Gardens at the Hereford Lighthouse in North Wildwood
• Tour of the Coast Guard Base with visits to public buildings and a Coast Guard cutter
• Annual Picnic held at Judy Austermiller’s home in June

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Term: 2014 – 2015
Co-Presidents: Marga Matheny and Dottie Pearson
Members: 74

Officers:
Vice-President:
Secretary: Peggy Long
Treasurer: Barbara Heinrichs

Committees:

Programs: Evelyn Lovitz
Membership: Mary Jane Slugg & Chris Rohrman
Scholarship: Sandy Harmon-Weiss
Book Groups: Mary Jane Slugg & Connie Blocher
Historian: Karen Weis
Fundraising: Pat Ford-Roegner
Public Policy: Suzanne Pelkus
HONORS: Marion Ingram was awarded a special Presidential Award from the State AAUW organization at the Spring AAUW State Conference. Marion was given the award for her work signing up 268 college e-members of three campuses of Atlantic Cape Community College in three months. Dottie Pearson, Suzanne Pelkaus, Mona Moore and Michelle Douglass, branch members, were also in attendance.
PROJECTS:

• COLLEGE CONNECTIONS: Program to sign up college students as e-members at Atlantic Cape Community College is led by Marion Ingram. Volunteers register students at the campus and students receive information from National AAUW via email.
• STEM: Cape May County Branch and Atlantic County Branch joined resources and commitments with Atlantic Cape Community College and Stockton University to provide a STEM camp July 2015. STEM Tech Trek is designed to generate interest of girls finishing 7th grade in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The camp is planned for one week on the campus of Stockton University. Girls from both counties are nominated by their teachers and 30 will be chosen to attend the camp. Classes are given in the morning and the afternoons are devoted to workshops. Field trips are also included. Female STEM professionals will meet with campers in small groups for discussion and questions. Volunteers from both branches assist with the interviews, camp setup, as dorm mothers and fund raisers. Solicitations from corporations as well as local businesses and members will be made. The cost for each camper is capped at $50 and the remaining costs will be covered by generous donations from organizations solicited and the college and university themselves.
• $tart $mart workshop was offered at Atlantic Cape Community College campus. The workshop instructs students on understanding the relationship of a personal budget to determine salary needs and how to negotiate for their first salary out of college.

EVENTS:

• Luncheon with Kathy Wood, a wildlife rehabilitator
• Tour of Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage
• Movies Nights at members’ homes
• Daytime and PLLC (evening couples) book groups monthly
• Tour of Congress Hall
• Annual Welcome Back Dinner
• Rina Terry, a local minister and AAUW member, led a discussion of her book, Cardboard Piano. The book includes poems Rina wrote based on her experience as a prison chaplain. Rina read some of her poems and related the stories regarding events that inspired them.
• Members attended a Glass Blowing demonstration by Eva Shelley at the Lower Township Library
• A STEM presentation was made to members by Michelle Douglass, a dual member of both Cape May County and Atlantic County branches. Michelle wrote the initial grant for the STEM Tech Trek camp.
• Author luncheon with Carol Brill, a local author and member, was held. Carol has written two books
• Marion Ingram and other members hosted an AAUW table at Atlantic Cape Community College, Cape May Court House campus for National Equal Pay Day
• Women’s Resource Luncheon was held at the Grand Hotel. Our branch provided baskets for auction. Our branch receives part of the proceeds which are used to support the Marion MacEwan Scholarship Fund
• Joint branch luncheon was held at Careme’s at the Atlantic Cape Academy of Culinary Arts
POLICY:

• On April 14, 2015 Congresswoman Rose DeLauro D. CT and Senator Barbara Mikulski D. MD re-introduced the Paycheck Fairness Act. This legislation closes some loopholes in the Fair Pay Act signed in 2009. National has this as a top priority for the 114th Congress.
• Marion Ingram, Mona Moore and Suzanne Pelkaus, Public Policy chair, met with Freeholder Marie Hayes. Marie has been asked to help convey information about the STEM Tech Trek camp to the county schools

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Term:                            2015– 2016

Co-Presidents:  Marga Matheny and Dottie Pearson

Members:  77

Officers:

Officers:
Vice-President:
Secretary: Peggy Long
Treasurer: Barbara Heinrichs

Committees:

Public Relations:  Mona Moore

Programs: Evelyn Lovitz
Membership: Mary Jane Slugg & Chris Rohrman
Scholarship: Sandy Harmon-Weiss
Book Groups: Mary Jane Slugg & Connie Blocher
Historian: Karen Weis
Fundraising: Pat Ford-Roegner
Public Policy: Suzanne Pelkus

IN MEMORIAM:  Our long time member, Mildred Moore, died peacefully June 17, 2015.  Mildred joined the AAUW Cape May Branch July 1, 1980, making her a member of 35 years.  She was an active member for most of those years and shared her vision of AAUW as an inclusive organization for all women.  We will miss her.

Our former longtime former member, Maria DiGiacomo, passed away October 24, 2015.  In 1991, Maria was the first recipient of the Alice Stokes Paul Award by the Cape May County Commission on the Status of Women. She was also the founder of the county’s Coalition Against Rape and Abuse (CARA) where she served as its first director.

 PROJECTS:

 COLLEGE CONNECTIONS: Program to sign up college students as e-members at Atlantic Cape Community College was led by Marion Ingram. Volunteers register students at the campus and students receive information from National AAUW via email.  This program expanded to reach students regarding Equal Pay Day and Human Trafficking—both of which are continuing national AAUW educational outreach efforts.

STEM: Cape May County Branch and Atlantic County Branch joined resources with the state AAUW and other AAUW branches to provide a STEM camp July 2016. STEM Tech Trek is designed to generate interest of girls finishing 7th grade in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.  The camp is planned for one week on the campus of Stockton University.  Girls are nominated by their teachers and 60 are chosen to attend the camp. Classes are given in the morning and the afternoons are devoted to workshops.  Field trips are also included.  Female STEM professionals meet with campers in small groups for discussion and questions.  Volunteers from all branches assist with the interviews, camp setup, and serve  as dorm mothers and fund raisers.   Solicitations from corporations as well as local businesses and members are made.  The cost for each camper is capped at $50 and the remaining costs are covered by generous donations from organizations solicited and the college and university themselves.

  • TWEEN AND TEENTECH: One day programs were offered to Cape May and Atlantic County girls to introduce them to the STEM fields.  Tween Tech, for girls in grades 6,7,& 8, was hosted by Stockton University and Teentech, for girls in grades 9, 10, & 11, was hosted by Atlantic Cape Community College.  Branch members supported the staff and presenters at both programs.  The girls were transported from their schools and spent the day in workshops at different locations on both campuses.  Women in STEM fields addressed each group and spoke of their experiences breaking into and working in these fields.
  • $tart $mart workshop was offered at Atlantic Cape Community College campus. The workshop instructs students on understanding the relationship of a personal budget to determine salary needs and how to negotiate for their first salary out of college.

EVENTS:

  • Annual Welcome Back Dinner
  • Visit and informational talk regarding Wine and Wills was held at Karen Weis’ home. Jane Hoy was the presenter and addressed wills, probate, trusts and estate planning.  She focused on laws in the state of New Jersey
  • AAUW Cape May County presence at the 10th Year Anniversary Celebration on October 12
  • Holiday Luncheon at the Lobster House with a scholarship student attending
  • Daytime and PLLC (evening couples) book groups monthly
  • Aging in Place presentation was offered by the Cape May County Department of Aging and Disability. Donna Groome, Executive Director addressed services available to residents of the county as well as resources for those whose finances warrant aid
  • Women Artists You Should Know About presentation by librarian Ed Carson. His presentation covered women artists in the 18th and 19th centuries that are little known today
  • Woman of Wonder 2016 was held in March 2016. Marie Hayes, Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders, was nominated the Woman of Wonder 2016.  Funds raised benefited the
    COMPACT High School permitting students to enroll in college courses while in high school.  AAUW members attended to support this effort
  • A STEM fundraiser was organized by AAUW and the Cape May County Advisory Commission on the Status of Women. The invited speaker was Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno.  The funds benefited the Tech Trek STEM camp held July 2016
  • Women’s Resource Luncheon was held at the Grand Hotel. Our branch provided baskets for auction.  Our branch receives part of the proceeds which are used to support the Marion MacEwan Scholarship Fund
  • Joint branch luncheon was held at Careme’s at the Atlantic Cape Academy of Culinary Arts
  • Annual Picnic was held this year at the Cape May County Zoo to the delight of members and grandchildren who took the opportunity to visit the animals in the zoo.

 POLICY:

 Suzanne Pelkaus continued to highlight the local and state as well as national activities to combat Human Trafficking. Sources for information regarding this problem were made available to members through information in the monthly newsletters.

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Term:                            2016– 2017

President: Marga Matheny

Members:  64

Officers:
Vice-President:
Secretary: Peggy Long
Treasurer: Barbara Heinrichs

Committees:
Programs: Cat Cronin
Membership: Mary Jane Slugg & Chris Rohrman
Scholarship: Sandy Harmon-Weiss
Book Groups: Mary Jane Slugg & Connie Blocher
Public Relations: Mona Moore
Historian: Karen Weis
Fundraising: Pat Ford-Roegner
Public Policy: Suzanne Pelkus

IN MEMORIAM:
Our former member, June S. Tartala, died August 30, 2016.  June was an active member of Cape May County AAUW. She served as President, Historian and Secretary, in addition to chairing several committees. She believed deeply in the need to provide access to higher education for women of Cape May County and will be remembered fondly for her many years of steadfast service.

Our member, June Waters, died peacefully on December 23, 2016.  June attended our meetings, hosted our book club at her Sea Isle City condo and gave us a talk about teaching in China. The AAUW mission was important to June and she was a generous donor to our scholarship fund. She will be remembered fondly.

Our member, Carol Fragale Brill, died peacefully at home on January 14, 2017. Carol joined the AAUW Cape May Branch and was a Life Member, active until shortly before she died. She was an author and we read two of her books as book club selections. We will miss her.

Our former member, Alma Van Rensalier Parker, passed away February 7, 2017. Alma was an active member. Her participation in book club meetings was especially appreciated. She will be remembered fondly.

PROJECTS:
• TECH TREK STEM camp for 68 girls (6 from Cape May County) entering 8th grade at Stockton University, July 17-23, 2016
• COLLEGE CONNECTIONS: The AAUW Cape May County Branch was present on the Atlantic Cape Community College campus in Cape May Court House on August 8, 2017. Girls were signed up for e-membership in AAUW. An additional girl signed up during Voter Registration Day on September 12, 2017. A table with information on sexual assault issues will be on display throughout the month of October.
• STEM – TWEEN AND TEEN TECH: One day programs were offered to Cape May and Atlantic County girls to introduce them to the STEM fields. TWEEN TECH, for girls in grades 6, 7, & 8, was held January 6, 2017 at Stockton University and TEEN TECH, for girls in grades 9, 10, & 11, was held May 23, 2017 at Atlantic Cape Community College. Branch members supported the staff and presenters at both programs. The girls were transported from their schools and spent the day in workshops at different locations on both campuses.
• TRIBUTE SCHOLARSHIP FUND: Gifts were made to the fund to recognize an anniversary or person.

EVENTS:
• Annual Welcome Back Dinner
• Daytime and evening (couples) book groups met monthly.
• College Connections program distributed AAUW information at the New Student Orientation Day and Voter Registration forms on three separate days at Atlantic Cape Community College
• College Connections program had a ‘Sexual Assault on Campus’ table display to tie in with CARA Domestic Abuse Month; showed the movie ‘The Hunting Ground’ at Atlantic Cape Community College
• Holiday Raffle Baskets were prepared to raise money for the Marion MacEwan Second Chance Scholarship
• Holiday Luncheon at the Lobster House in Cape May
• Cape May Stage production followed by dinner at Lucky Bones
• AAUW members visited the United Nations for a tour and meeting with Gloria Blackwell from National AAUW to learn about her work with the UN.
• A special award for supporting women students at Atlantic Cape Community College was given to Marion Ingram.
• Presentation of the Marion MacEwan Second Chance Scholarship at the Atlantic Cape Community College’s 50th Annual Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on May 16, 2017
• Women’s Resource Fund Luncheon and Fashion Show at the Grand Hotel with proceeds benefitting the League of Women Voters of Cape May County and the Cape May County AAUW
• A ‘Through the Glass Ceiling’ panel was presented as part of TECH TREK’s Professional Women’s Night on July 21, 2016. The Speakers were women academics from Stockton University (Tara Harmer Luke & Anna Pfeiffer-Herbert), scientists/engineers from the Federal Aviation Administration William J. Hughes Technical Center (Marie Kee and Holly M. Cyrus) and technical business professionals (Basilyn Bunting & Diane K. Brown)
• Celebrated our Golden Year 50th Anniversary
• Annual Picnic at the Cape May County Zoo

POLICY:
• Barbara Heinrichs, on behalf of the CMC Branch of AAUW, signed a 501(c)(3) affiliate agreement with AAUW, Inc., on December 17, 2016.
• The Cape May County AAUW by laws were updated and sent to National on January 8, 2017.

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Term:                            2017– 2018

President: Karen Weis

Members:  53

Officers:
Vice-President: Cat Cronin
Secretary: Randi Ziring
Treasurer: Barbara Heinrichs

Committees:
Book Groups: Connie Blocher & Mary Jane Slugg
College Connections: Debbie Walker
Fundraising: Pat Ford-Roegner & Sue Laufer
Historian: BJ Wagner-Marlowe
Membership: Chris Rohrman & Mary Jane Slugg
Newsletter: Barbara Heinrichs
Programs: Cat Cronin
Public Policy: Suzanne Pelkaus
Public Relations: Randi Ziring
Scholarship: Sandy Sieber
STEM Coordinator: Dottie Pearson

IN MEMORIAM:

Our former member, Janice Brown, passed away in July, 2017. Janice graduated from Upper Dublin High School in Fort Washington, PA, then earned a degree in English from Shippensburg, and later a Masters in Counseling from Penn State. In addition to counseling work, Janice taught Psychology at Montgomery County Community College for several years, before moving to Cape May in 2007. There she continued to teach, and pursued her personal counseling practice. She was also very involved in community affairs, including Cape May Stage, Music and Photography. She will be remembered fondly.

Stephanie Cash passed away in December 2017. Stephanie was an active member and served as Cape May County AAUW President from 9/95 to 12/95. Stephanie attended school in Collingdale, PA and graduated as valedictorian from the Sanford School in Hockessin, DE. She received a BA in English from Bryn Mawr College, and earned a MBA in finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Stephanie began her professional career as a financial analyst. After she relocated to Cape May Court House she left the financial industry and became a teacher of English and French. She taught at Wildwood High School, Port Republic School, and Atlantic Cape Community College, and also conducted evening classes for the Cape May County Technical School District. Besides AAUW, she was involved with several professional groups, including the Delaware Valley Translators Association and the American Translators Association. In recent years, she has been a principal of Dias Creek Oysters, LLC, and served as president of the Cape May Oyster Cooperative. Stephanie was a student of ballet, Argentine tango, qi gong, opera, and fashion, as well as language, literature, and politics. We will miss her.

Arlette Michaelis, a former member, passed away at 93 years of age at her home in South Dennis, on May 13, 2018. Arlette attended Normal school in Brussels for teaching. She attended Glassboro State College and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education. She continued taking classes throughout her career, working towards her Master’s degree. Arlette had an illustrious career as an educator – she substituted at various county schools and also taught for five years at St. Joseph’s Parochial School in Sea Isle City. She was a beloved teacher of sixth graders in Avalon. Arlette was very active in the New Jersey Education Association; she held offices both before and after retirement. She will be missed.

PROJECTS:

  • STEM – TECH TREK SUMMER CAMP: Cape May County Branch and Atlantic County Branch joined resources with the state AAUW and other AAUW branches to provide a STEM camp July 16-22, 2017. Professional Women’s Night was on July 20th. STEM TECH TREK is designed to generate interest of girls finishing 7th grade in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The camp takes place for one week on the campus of Stockton University. Female STEM professionals meet with campers in small groups for discussion and questions. Volunteers from all branches assist with the interviews, camp setup, and serve as dorm mothers and fund raisers. Snacks and juices for campers were collected by volunteers: 444 juice boxes and 782 snacks, well above the 250 each quota requested.
  • COLLEGE CONNECTIONS: The Cape May County AAUW was represented at the New Students’ Day on the Atlantic Cape Community College campus in Cape May Court House on August 8, 2017. Cape May County AAUW attended Voter Registration Day at ACCC in Cape May Court House on September 12, 2017. Information about job opportunities as NJ Poll Workers was distributed. The Sexual Assault information table will be on display through October. Over the course of this year, 19 students were signed on for e-membership in AAUW.
  • STEM – TWEENTECH: The one day program for girls in grades 6, 7, & 8, scheduled to be held at Stockton University had to be cancelled because of a severe winter storm.
  • STEM – TEENTECH: A similar program for girls in grades 9, 10, & 11, was held at Atlantic Cape Community College on May 23rd. Cape May County AAUW volunteers assisted the staff and presenters. The girls were transported from their schools and spent the day in workshops at different locations. Women in STEM fields addressed the group and spoke of their experiences breaking into and working in these fields.
  • TRIBUTE SCHOLARSHIP FUND: The Marion MacEwan 2nd Chance Scholarship fund granted three scholarships of $1,000 each.

EVENTS:

  • The 50th Anniversary & Welcome Back Dinner was on October 3, 2017 at Avalon Links Restaurant. State Senator Jeff Van Drew and Assemblymen Robert Andrzejczak and R. Bruce Land presented President Karen Weis with a commemorative Declaration from the State of New Jersey. The event was covered in a full page article in The Herald newspaper.
  • Wine tasting to celebrate the harvest and contribute to the Second Chance Scholarship fund took place at Hawk Haven Winery on October 16, 2017
  • Our President, Karen Weis, attended the 20th Annual Awards Banquet of the Southern New Jersey Professional Societies on November 30, 2017.
  • On December 1, 2017 the Library at the Cape May County Campus of Atlantic Cape Community College had an Open House featuring a new Nonprofit Resource Center, organized with the help of our members Maria Kellet and Dottie Pearson
  • Holiday Luncheon on December 3, 2017 at the Lobster House in Cape May
  • Holiday Raffle Baskets were prepared to raise money for the Marion MacEwan Second Chance Scholarship
  • An Olive Oil Tasting Program was given at the Good Earth Organic Eatery on March 16, 2018.
  • The Cape May County Branch Annual Meeting was May 9th at the Avalon Links Restaurant
  • The Cape Women’s Resource Fund Fashion Show and Luncheon auction, held on May 20th benefitted Cape
  • May County Branch and the League of women voters of Cape May County
  • A new-members tea was held in May to welcome members and inform them about AAUW opportunities
  • A theater outing to Cape May Stage was held on June 10th.
  • The Annual Picnic was held on June 19, 2018 at the home of Kathy and John Flynn, in Dennisville.
  • The Movie Group met for movies in a member home and a local theater
  • Cooking classes were conducted by Karen Weis and Cat Cronin in their homes.
  • Daytime and Evening (couples) book groups met monthly. 
  • POLICY:
  • Governor Murphy signed New Jersey’s Diane Allen Equal Pay Bill, one of the comprehensive pay equity laws in the country. AAUW plans to train women to in negotiation through Start Smart and Work Smart programs.

 

Term:                            2018– 2019

President: Karen Weis

Members:  53

Officers:
Vice-President: Chris Rohrman
Secretary: Randi Ziring
Treasurer: Barbara Heinrichs

Committees:
Book Groups: Connie Blocher & Mary Jane Slugg
College Connections: Debbie Walker
Fundraising: Pat Ford-Roegner & Sue Laufer
Historian: BJ Wagner-Marlowe
Membership: Mary Jane Slugg
Newsletter: Barbara Heinrichs
Programs: Cat Cronin
Public Policy: Suzanne Pelkaus
Public Relations: Randi Ziring
Scholarship: Sandy Sieber
STEM Coordinator: Dottie Pearson

IN MEMORIAM:

Audrey Moloney passed away in July 2019. Audrey was an active, dual member of our AAUW Branch since 1971. We will miss her.

PROJECTS:

  • STEM – TECH TREK SUMMER CAMP: Cape May County Branch and Atlantic County Branch joined resources with the state AAUW and other AAUW branches to provide a STEM camp July 15-21, 2018. Professional Women’s Night was held on July 17, 2018. STEM TECH TREK is designed to generate interest of girls finishing 7th grade in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The camp takes place for one week on the campus of Stockton University. Female STEM professionals meet with campers in small groups for discussion and questions. Volunteers from all branches assist with the interviews, camp setup, and serve as dorm mothers and fund raisers. Snacks and juices for campers were solicited by volunteers from local businesses for TECH TREK 2019. Members interviewed nine applicants from Cape May County. A ‘Meet ‘n Greet’ orientation session was held at Stockton on May 11, 2019 for the 60 campers selected for TECH TREK 2019.
  • COLLEGE CONNECTIONS: The Cape May County AAUW was represented at the New Students’ Day on the Atlantic Cape Community College campus in Cape May Court House on August 8, 2018. Members met with the new Dean of Institutional Research, Planning & Effectiveness/Information Technology, and students. Eleven girls signed up for email information and received literature and applications for regular membership. Members participated in voter registration at Atlantic Cape Community College on September 18, 2018. Students were asked to sign pledges to vote in November. Members of the Atlantic County Branch took part in the State Annual Meeting, called Women Leaders: Today, Tomorrow, and the Future! on April 7-8, 2019. There was a lecture on achieving economic security and a discussion with a panel of women who had recently been elected to local offices.
  • STEM – TWEENTECH: The one-day program for girls in grades 6, 7, & 8, was held at Stockton University on January 4, 2019.
  • STEM – TEENTECH: A similar program for girls in grades 9, 10, & 11, was held at Stockton University on May 29, 2019. Cape May County AAUW volunteers assisted the staff and presenters. The girls were transported from their schools and spent the day in workshops at different locations. Women in STEM fields addressed the group and spoke of their experiences breaking into and working in these fields.
  • TRIBUTE SCHOLARSHIP FUND: The Marion MacEwan 2nd Chance Scholarship fund granted three scholarships of $1500 to students at Atlantic Cape Community College.
  • TECH TREK will be held July 21-27, 2019 at Stockton University.
  • PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NIGHT AT TECH TRECK will be held at Stockton University on July 25, 2019. The goal is to inspire rising 8th grade girls to pursue education and careers in STEM fields.  Professional Women’s Night begins with a buffet dinner followed by 3 sessions of speed networking.  There are 60 campers from throughout New Jersey who through a competitive process attend the week-long overnight camp.  Each table has 5 girls, a moderator and 3 Professional STEM Women.  After 30 minutes or so the Professional Women mentors move to a different table while the girls and moderator stay at the same table.  This happens for 3 sessions.

EVENTS:

  • The Welcome Back Dinner was on October 9, 2018 at Aleathea’s at the Inn at Cape May. Rita Fulginiti, the Cape May County Clerk joined us and presented information about new laws on voting signed by Governor Murphy and how they affect the election process.
  • A group attended the play Silent Sky presented by East Lynne Theater Company on October 10, 2018. The play portrays the entry of women into the field of astronomy over 100 years ago.
  • Members participated in the Women of Wonder League Luncheon at Avalon Links Restaurant on November 8, 2018, to raise money in support of at-risk high school students attending Atlantic Cape Community College. Vicki Clark, president of the Cape May county chamber of Commerce was honored.
  • A holiday cooking program was held at the home of Karen Weis on November 12, 2018.
  • A program on digital security was presented by members of the Cape may County Library Tech Department at the Lower Township Library on December 5, 2018. Handouts were collected for those that did not attend.
  • Holiday Raffle Baskets were prepared to raise money for the Marion MacEwan Second Chance Scholarship
  • A Holiday Luncheon with spouses and friends was held at the Lobster House on December 8, 2018. A 50/50 raffle and a raffle of the holiday baskets were held, and the Scholarship fund was significantly increased.
  • Movie Nights/Afternoons at member homes and book groups at a suitable community center/restaurant were popular throughout the year.
  • The Salem county AAUW invited Cape May County members to their annual Women’s History Tea held at the Friends Meeting House in Woodstown, NJ on March 16, 2019.
  • We visited Cold Spring Brewery at Cold Spring Village in March to learn about the history of the Village and the process of moving and refitting the brewery and about the brewing process. Beers on tap and brewed sarsaparilla were available to members, spouses, family and friends.
  • Members attended the Atlantic Cape Community College Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on May 21, 2019, to honor the new scholarship students benefitting from our support.
  • On May 31, 219, members toured the Cape Shore Laboratory on Del Haven to see the oyster farm and learn how oysters are cultivated.
  • The Women’s Resource Luncheon and Hats Off fundraiser was at the Grand Hotel in Cape May on June 9, 2019.
  • The Annual Picnic and Annual Meeting were held at the Cape May County Park and Zoo on June 18, 2019 from noon until 3pm.

Term:                            2019-2020

President: Karen Weis

Members:  49

Officers:
Vice-President: Chris Rohrman
Secretary: Randi Ziring
Treasurer: Barbara Heinrichs

Committees:
Book Groups: Connie Blocher & Mary Jane Slugg
Fundraising: Pat Ford-Roegner(Sep-Oct); Chris Rohrman(remainder of year)
Membership: Mary Jane Slugg
Newsletter: Barbara Heinrichs
Programs: Cat Cronin
Public Policy: Suzanne Pelkaus
Public Relations: Randi Ziring
Scholarship: Sandy Sieber
STEM Coordinator: Theresa Basquez

IN MEMORIAM:  Barbara MacGregor passed away in January 27, 2020. She was a long time member of the Cape May County AAUW where she attended the daytime book group and never missed a group community outing to historical places.

PROJECTS:

  • STEM – TECH TREK SUMMER CAMP: Cape May County Branch and Atlantic County Branch joined resources with the state AAUW and other AAUW branches to provide a STEM camp July 21-27 2019. Professional Women’s Night was held on July 17, 2019. STEM TECH TREK is designed to generate interest of girls finishing 7th grade in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The camp takes place for one week on the campus of Stockton University. Female STEM professionals meet with campers in small groups for discussion and questions. Volunteers from all branches assist with the interviews, camp setup, and serve as dorm mothers and fund raisers. Snacks and juices for campers were solicited by volunteers from local businesses for TECH TREK 2019.
  • Members interviewed two applicants from Cape May County for TECH TREK 2020. Due to the Coronavirus the STEM 2020 summer camp was postponed until summer 2021.
  • STEM – TWEENTECH: The one-day program for girls in grades 6, 7, & 8, was held at Stockton University on January 3, 2020.
  • STEM – TEENTECH: Due to the Coronavirus the full day of workshops for high school students was cancelled.
  • TRIBUTE SCHOLARSHIP FUND: The Marion MacEwan 2nd Chance Scholarship fund granted three scholarships of $1500 to students at Atlantic Cape Community College.
  • TECH TREK 2020 was scheduled July 26-August 1, 2020 at Stockton University. However, due to the Coronavirus the camp has been rescheduled for 2021
  • PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NIGHT AT TECH TREK was held at Stockton University on July 25, 2019. The goal is to inspire rising 8th grade girls to pursue education and careers in STEM fields.  Professional Women’s Night begins with a buffet dinner followed by 3 sessions of speed networking.  There are 60 campers from throughout New Jersey who through a competitive process attend the week-long overnight camp.  Each table has 5 girls, a moderator and 3 Professional STEM Women.  After 30 minutes or so the Professional Women mentors move to a different table while the girls and moderator stay at the same table.  This happens for 3 sessions.

EVENTS:

  • Several Branch members went on a NJ AAUW sponsored trip to Seneca Falls NY on September 19, 2019.  They visited the site of the Seneca Falls Convention, the first women’s rights convention. The trip included a visit to the Harriett Tubman museum in Auburn NY.
  • The Welcome Back Dinner was on October 9, 2019 at Aleathea’s at the Inn at Cape May.
  • On November 6, 2019 the Branch hosted a Poet-Luncheon with Meredith Trede.  Meredith is a member and published poet.
  • Members participated in the 2019 Women of Wonder League Luncheon at the Flanders Hotel on November 14, 2019, to raise money in support of at-risk high school students attending Atlantic Cape Community College. Three women were honored, including Stormy Freese who has volunteered at Professional Women’s Night during the TECH TREK summer camp. Stormy is a microbiologist at the Cape May County Mosquito Control.
  • Holiday Raffle Baskets were prepared to raise money for the Marion MacEwan Second Chance Scholarship
  • A Holiday Luncheon with spouses and friends was held at the Lobster House on December 15, 2019. A 50/50 raffle and a raffle of the holiday baskets were held, and the Scholarship fund was significantly increased.
  • Members took advantage of the Mid- Atlantic Center for the Arts programs during the winter months. The Lunch and Learn programs included Big Bands & Their Marvelous Singers (January) and Prohibition & Cape May County (February).
  •  And then the Coronavirus struck and the state went into lock down in March 2020.  Book Club meetings, STEM workshop for high school girls, the Women’s Resource Luncheon Fundraiser, etc, were all cancelled.

But members have kept in touch with each other including some outdoor walks and outdoor dining.  However, we are all being careful with social distancing, and our health.  Our year ended (end of June) and the start up in September is in question.  Thanks to all members for your support during this difficult period.